Arco

The main pros of the game

• Unique Combat System: The blend of turn-based and real-time combat is praised for its innovation and challenge. Many players found it engaging and enjoyable, allowing for strategic decision-making.
• Strong Storytelling: The narrative is highlighted as compelling, with well-developed characters and a unique perspective on Mesoamerican culture and colonialism. The emotional depth of the story resonates with many players.
• Art and Music: The pixel art style is described as beautiful and charming, with many players appreciating the overall aesthetic. The soundtrack is frequently mentioned as exceptional, enhancing the emotional experience of the game.
• Replayability: The game encourages multiple playthroughs due to its branching narratives and character choices, with many players expressing a desire to explore different endings.

The main cons of the game

• Combat Balance Issues: Some players found the combat to be either too easy or frustratingly difficult at times, leading to a lack of consistent challenge. The presence of a guilt mechanic that affects gameplay was seen as annoying by some.
• Shallow RPG Mechanics: Many reviews noted that the RPG elements, such as the skill tree and inventory management, felt limited and basic, lacking depth and variety.
• Pacing and Length: While some enjoyed the game's length, others felt it was too short and wished for more content. The pacing was criticized for being uneven, particularly in the latter acts.
• Dialogue and Writing: Some players felt the writing was inconsistent, with modern slang and humor that felt out of place in the game's setting. This detracted from the immersion for a few reviewers.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Deeper RPG Mechanics: Players expressed a desire for more complex skill trees, equipment options, and character customization to enhance the RPG experience.
• Fast Travel Options: The lack of fast travel was a common complaint, with players finding traversing the overworld tedious at times.
• More Meaningful Choices: Some reviewers felt that the choices presented in the game often led to similar outcomes, reducing the impact of player decisions on the narrative.
• Better Combat Feedback: A desire for clearer mechanics around combat actions and more intuitive controls was noted, particularly regarding the interaction of abilities and the consequences of decisions made during combat.

Summary

• Overall, Arco is regarded as a unique and beautifully crafted indie RPG that excels in storytelling and artistic presentation, but it has some areas for improvement, particularly in gameplay mechanics and depth.

Summary generated on: October 30, 2025